What To Wear To Cheltenham Festival
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4 weeks ago
Outfit inspiration coming in thick and fast, Cheltenham-style
Cheltenham Festival is an indisputable staple in England’s sporting calendar. And with the 2026 edition kicking off this month, it’s time to start thinking about your outfit. There isn’t an official dress code for the races – organisers only recommend dressing for the weather – so you’re going to have to get a little creative. If you’re stuck, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite style picks for what to wear to Cheltenham Festival 2026.
What Is Cheltenham Festival?
Running from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 March 2026, Cheltenham Festival is a four-day event dedicated to horseracing. Taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse, the festival welcomes over 260,000 people each year to mark the beginning of the social season and witness an impressive display of sporting from horses and jockeys alike. There’s also ample opportunity throughout the festival for fine dining, shopping and entertainment experiences.
Still curious about what to expect? You can read our full guide to Cheltenham Festival here.
Is There A Dress Code?
There was a dress code at Cheltenham Festival for a long time, but in recent years this has been relaxed to allow anyone to enjoy a day at the races. In February 2023, commercial horse racing organisation The Jockey Club even went as far as to announce it would be scrapping its previous rules across all 15 of its racecourses to make horseracing more accessible and inclusive.
Where racegoers were previously restricted to certain enclosures at the races based on their dress, the new expectation will be for guests to come as they feel most comfortable. The only exceptions to the new code of dress are ‘offensive fancy dress or offensive clothing of any kind and replica sports shirts.’
Winter vs Summer Racing Fashion
Regardless of the dress code, people still make a habit of dressing up for Cheltenham Festival. You might not find the delicate fabrics, sugary pastels and intricately crafted headpieces that you would at summer racing events, but winter racegoers like to keep things stylish nonetheless.
‘Winter racing is completely outerwear-led,’ notes Jade Holland Cooper, designer and founder of Holland Cooper. ‘It’s all about strong tailoring, beautiful coats and layered looks that feel refined but functional. You see richer textures, heavier fabrics, and more structured silhouettes – tweeds, wool blends, knits and boots all come into their own.’
Holland Cooper
What Do People Wear To Cheltenham Festival?
When dressing for Cheltenham Festival, racegoers tend to opt for a blend of carefully curated comfort and style. Jade adds that the overall look of Cheltenham feels ‘far more considered now, with people really planning their looks in advance. There’s a strong desire to wear something distinctive and feel beautifully polished, but practicality still plays such an important role. Comfort, warmth and being weather-ready are just as key as the outfit itself.
‘Cheltenham feels like the ultimate country catwalk,’ she continues. ‘There’s such a buzz in the air, and everyone really leans into the occasion. I love how sport and style sit so naturally side by side. It’s one of those rare events where heritage, fashion and community all come together, and you can truly feel it the moment you arrive.’
It’s a sentiment shared by stylist Jessica Rea, who says that ‘the fashion at Cheltenham is on another level; it’s bold, considered and full of personality, which is what makes it so exciting year after year.’ She agrees that racegoers create their outfits with ‘much more intention now’ – not just for themselves, but the entire family. ‘I love how it’s become a full family affair; from children in their tweeds to parents dressing to impress. It feels far more styled and celebratory than ever before.’
‘There’s a sense of occasion that comes with dressing for such an iconic sporting moment,’ notes Marcus Fairfax Fountaine, co-founder of Fairfax & Favor. ‘It’s one of those rare events where people genuinely enjoy making an effort, and the result is a wonderful mix of individuality and understated sophistication.
‘In recent years, fashion at Cheltenham Festival has evolved into a confident blend of tradition and contemporary style,’ he adds. ‘While classic country dressing remains at the heart of the event, we’ve seen guests becoming more expressive with colour, texture and silhouette – embracing bolder styling while still prioritising practicality. The overall look feels more considered and fashion-forward, without losing that timeless race-day elegance Cheltenham is known for.’
Fairfax & Favor
The Insider’s Guide: Style Tips For Cheltenham Festival
Start With A Coat
In true British fashion, we check the weather before even starting on the outfit – and with Cheltenham Festival falling within the last dregs of winter, you’ll need to be clever with your clothing choices.
‘The weather at the festival can be bitter, and the wind can be very strong,’ emphasises Jessica. ‘Start with the coat – outerwear is the hero piece at Cheltenham, so choose a statement coat that sets the tone for the entire outfit. Opt for heavier fabrics and silhouettes that flatter your shape, allowing room for warm layers underneath.’
As for the materials, think tweed. ‘Tweed, tweed and more tweed is the unofficial dress code of Cheltenham Festival,’ confirms the team at Schöffel. ‘And thank goodness – the classic fabric is warm and waterproof, perfect for Cheltenham racecourse’s notoriously icy temperatures.’
Then Add Layers
Layers are also essential at Cheltenham Festival, says Jade, who notes that the unpredictable weather requires pieces that are easy to add and remove. ‘Layer comfortably,’ she instructs. ‘Think cosy knits under tailored jackets, scarves, and leather gloves you can add or remove throughout the day. It’s all about flexibility.’
Find Your Footing
Your choice of shoe is just as important – at Cheltenham, the natural trend sways more towards boots than high heels, thanks to the cold, wet weather. ‘You’ll be on your feet all day, so choose a beautifully crafted boot with a solid heel for comfort and stability,’ suggests Marcus,
There’ll be a lot of walking on the day, Jessica tells us: ‘from the shopping village to the parade ring and out to the front of the course to watch the racing – you’ll need to keep your feet comfortable.’
‘Always prioritise practical footwear,’ adds Jade. ‘You’ll be on your feet, often on grass or mud, so boots with grip and comfort are non-negotiable.’
Opt For Classic Accessories
With coats, layers and shoes ticked off the list, it’s time to get playful with your choice of accessories. ‘Silk ties and pocket squares for those in suits, jewellery, silks and handbags for those in dresses are all perfectly good suggestions,’ says Jack Gregorie, Product Manager at Farlows. He does warn, however, to keep in mind the chance of rain: ‘It’s important to remember that it is mostly a day spent outside in March, the weather can be hit or miss so dress for the weather.’
And the golden accessory? ‘I would say a hat for Cheltenham is a must,’ says stylist and regular Cheltenham Festival-goer, Lady Alice Manners. ‘There are few events where we get to wear hats, and for the sake of British millinery we should embrace weeks like Cheltenham with a hat on our heads.’ She adds that she likes to take inspiration from decades past – ‘mainly the 30s through to the 90s’ – and that the best way to stand out is to ‘go for a mix of vintage and new.’
Invest In British-Made
And with Cheltenham Festival playing such a huge role in the British social calendar, it only makes sense to tap into the very best designers and brands the UK has to offer. ‘Invest in British-made, weather-ready tailoring,’ recommends Jade. ‘A great coat or blazer is the foundation of your look; choose pieces that are beautifully cut but practical.’
